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One week later…
“Oh my goodness,” Kate gushed with her hands clapped together gleefully. “This engagement party is wonderful. Thank you very much, Mother. I am…a little overwhelmed, to say the least. It is so kind of you to throw this for us.”
She had tears in her eyes, but the happy kind of tears that could only come from her life finally coming together at long last. It might have taken her a while to realize it, but now that she had stopped chasing all the wrong things, everything she really needed had fallen into her lap at long last.
She had the most incredible man on her arm, someone who truly loved her for who she really was, not for her dowry or for what she might look like standing at society events next to him. William did not care what the ton thought, which meant she no longer needed to either. It was freeing, to say the least.
Gossip did not matter, and the scandal sheets meant nothing, not when they had one another, and they were head over heels in love.
“You are very welcome.” The duchess smiled warmly at her daughter. “I knew that everything would work out for you in the end. All you had to do was follow your heart.”
“And have Father on my side to make sure that I was not forced into a marriage with the Marquess of Fairbridge,” Kate reminded her mother. “He really made sure that everyone knew the truth.”
It was a very public affair, one that drew a lot of attention and gossip, but this time Kate did not mind. Douglas deserved it for everything that he had put her through. He might have been humiliated by the way the courtship was cut off, but Kate did not feel guilty because he did not mind when he was causing her the same sort of pain.
Other ladies deserved to be warned about his money troubles as well, so they were not tricked into a marriage that would leave them with nothing. Douglas would not be able to fool anyone again.
Actually, there was a chance that he would not show his face in London for a while. Rumors suggested that he had gone into hiding while he recovered from the true embarrassment.
But he was no longer Kate’s problem. Nor her family’s issue either. They would never have to worry about him again. Instead, the duke and duchess were extremely proud to announce that their daughter had found someone worthwhile to marry, which was why they were so happy to throw a lavish, albeit small, engagement party.
It was Kate who wanted to keep it small. Even though the duke wanted a large ball to truly celebrate her new love, Kate had wanted a more intimate affair. Friends and family only. She felt like she had been in the eyes of other people enough. Now, she merely wanted to be around the people who truly cared about her and her husband-to-be.
Everyone here, Kate felt like she could trust, and that had become the most important thing to her. This whole debacle had taught her that trust was one of the most vital things she needed in life. Particularly with William.
Just because William had a past, and he had not always acted in the way London society thought he should, did not mean Kate had no trust in him. She thought him truly honest and straight forward with her, which was all that she could ask for.
The best part was that her parents did not care a thing about William’s roguish reputation, not since he had proven to them in many different ways that his past was behind him, and he was solely focused on Kate’s happiness now. That was all they could ask for, a decent man to make their child happy. They were not even concerned about the smaller title. Those sorts of things were much less important in life.
The carriage collision might have been a terrible thing to happen at the time. Kate thought it had ended her life, but in fact, it had taught her and her family what really mattered.
“Oh, I think your brother might want a word with you,” her mother said with a cheeky smile playing on her lips. “William, do you think perhaps you could escort me to the refreshments table for another drink?”
This seemed planned. Kate had not spoken to Jonathan much since the engagement announcement. Since the fight, in fact. He had spent a lot of time sulking and avoiding everyone, but it seemed that now he finally wanted to at least try to make things right. Kate knew he would have to swallow his pride eventually…
“Kate, do you mind if I speak with you?” he asked sullenly, his eyes barely meeting hers. “If you have a moment…”
“I will always have a moment for you,” she told him kindly. While she was not too pleased with the way that he had treated William, her future groom had reminded her that he only wanted to look after her and she must not hold it against him.
Not that she would have been able to do so forever.
“I owe you an apology,” Jonathan started, jumping right in. “I have behaved like an utter fool. I can see that now. Helping the Marquess of Fairbridge, and dismissing Lord Moore’s feelings for you…well, I feel terrible about it now. I am highly embarrassed by my behavior. I would understand if you never forgave me.”
“I will always forgive you,” Kate insisted. “That should go without saying. It does not matter how we fight, we are always family.”
This was the moment that Jonathan finally met Kate’s gaze, and it seemed like he could hear the authenticity of her words because he relaxed ever so slightly.
“Well, that does not change how I have acted. I can see now that you were right, and that your love for Lord Moore is worth far more than the marquess. Please know that if I had been aware of his financial situation, I never would have gotten involved.”
Kate rested a hand reassuringly on her brother’s shoulder. “You do not have to panic. I understand as much. I know you well enough to understand you would never do anything to hurt me. You are my brother, and you have always cared for me. Just perhaps…listen to what I have to say. I might know more than you think.”
Jonathan chuckled lightly. “Yes, I have seen that. And maybe do not listen to me because I do not know as much as I think I do.” His eyes traveled across the room to where William remained standing with their mother, talking and laughing. “I shall have to apologize to your future husband as well. I have behaved terribly with him also. That is going to be much more challenging.”
“I think you shall be fine,” Kate reassured him. “He is not as angry at you as you might think. William is a very understanding man.”
That seemed to make Jonathan more nervous. Kate could only surmise that it was his own preconceived notions of Lord Moore that he now had to tear down. It would not be easy for him, but he would work it out. Kate had faith in him.
“I am going to do it now,” Jonathan declared with a sigh. “Before I talk myself out of it. I would not like any bad blood to continue right up until the wedding.”
Ooh, the wedding. Kate loved thinking about the wedding. This time around, she had been throwing herself wholeheartedly into the planning process, and she was truly excited for the day to arrive. Being William’s wife was all she truly wanted now.
She thought about the day and what it might look like as Jonathan strode across the room to take William’s arm. Just as she knew he would, her husband-to-be went with Jonathan willingly. He wanted to make things right with her brother more than anyone else.
“You have made my son very happy, you know.” But Kate was not given time to daydream for long. William’s mother caught her attention almost the moment Jonathan and William headed out of her sight line. “I must thank you for that.”
“Oh, that is truly kind of you to say.” Kate absolutely adored William’s mother. She was such a sweet lady. She had shown Kate nothing but kindness. “He has made me happy too.”
“He has not always been happy,” William’s mother continued. “Ever since his father died, he has struggled. He has been like a lost soul, and I did not know what to do for him. It has not been easy for me either. Imogen and I have been living in Bath, dealing with our own grief there.”
Both of them looked at Imogen, who was shining with happiness. She looked like the belle of the ball as she talked happily with other guests at the party.
“Although my daughter shines far more in London than in Bath,” the Countess continued. “So, perhaps we might need to make some changes there. All I want is for her to be happy. If that is here, then maybe…”
“It would be lovely to have you in London,” Kate gushed with pure excitement. Having more extended family surrounding her sounded absolutely wonderful. “I am sure that would make William happy, too.”
“You know, William reminds me so much of his father.” She grew misty-eyed, thick with emotion. Kate was not expecting this. “He is sometimes hard to look at because he is so much like him. He might have been lost like him at times, but he is also just as kind-hearted and warm. Quiet, before you know him fully, but once you do get to see his heart, he is just lovely. Of course, I am his mother, so I might be biased as I say this…”
Kate giggled. “I must say I do agree with you. I find him just perfect, also. And if he is anything like his father, then you must have had a wonderful marriage.”
Kate was happy to listen as William’s mother talked about her marriage for a while. She could have listened to her delightful stories all day long, but it was not long until William and Jonathan reappeared, looking like they had finally come to a position of being friendly with one another.
Perhaps they were not the best of friends just yet, but there was plenty of time for that. They actually had the rest of their lives to connect fully.
Kate excused herself and started to seek out her husband, but she did not quite make it to him before another voice caught her first. She should have expected to be the center of attention today. After all, this party was for her…
“It is lovely to see you again, Lady Katherine. And to see you using your walking cane.”
Doctor Tristan Andrews smiled proudly at Kate, and for the very first time, she felt able to grin back properly. William had found a way to ensure that Kate did not feel self-conscious about needing the walking cane. It was still not something she had with her every single day, but it was nice to feel all right about it when she absolutely had to.
Today, at her party, she needed to, to make sure she did not overdo it. She did not want days laid up in bed afterward. Not when she had a wedding to plan.
“I do not want my leg to inflame anymore,” she replied. “I am doing my best to be careful.”
“Well, you look very well for it. You have a lot more color in your cheeks.”
Kate felt herself blush brighter. “Well, that might have something to do with me being in love as well…”
“I just knew this was going to happen,” William’s long-term friend, Nathaniel, jumped into the conversation. “I threatened to make a bet that William would be the next one down the aisle, but he was trying to play it cool then.”
“It did not matter how much he tried to play it cool. We all knew otherwise,” Tristan replied. “The moment he laid eyes on Lady Katherine Langley, he changed completely.”
All of William’s friends then jumped into the conversation, all doing their best to make Kate feel like she was soaring higher than air. Ever since she had been introduced to the group, they had done everything that they could to make her feel like she belonged.
Emily Andrews and Gemma Colbourne were the loveliest women she had ever met in her life. They had gone out of their way to make her feel welcome at all times. Marcus Colbourne, Nathanial Redfield, and Robert Cavendish had been kind to her also. The way that they cared for William as well warmed Kate’s heart tenfold.
“How are you?” All of a sudden, Kate felt the warmth of her husband’s arm snaking around her waist. “I have missed you.”
She smiled brightly at him, glad to have him back with her once more. “You were only gone for a few moments.”
“Every moment away from you is torture, you should know this by now.”
“How did things go with my brother?” Much as she thought that it had been a positive step for the pair of them, she wanted to be certain.
“I think he might be coming around to me, you know.” William chuckled. “I never thought that would happen, but I think one day Jonathan Langley might actually like me.”
“He is not a bad person,” Kate confirmed. “He is only worried.”
“Oh, I know. I do understand that, which is why I am more than happy to see if we can build some kind of friendship. It would be lovely to have a brother-in-law that I can have fun with.”
Kate nudged him playfully in the side. “Not too much fun, though,” she teased. “I do not wish to hear about the pair of you wasting away evenings at Redfield’s.”
Not that she would ever be worried about any nonexistent beautiful brunettes this time around. Not when she had so much faith in her husband. She could tell that he only had eyes for her. He made that very clear every single day. He went out of his way to let her understand that he thought she was the most beautiful woman on the planet, with or without her walking cane, whether she was in her finest emerald gown or a simple slip dress. He did not expect anything from his future bride other than for her to be herself.
To be loved so wholeheartedly was a beautiful thing, to know that she did not need to worry was lovely. She did not know that it was possible to be this content.
“You know I will never waste an evening at Redfield’s when I could be with you,” William replied seriously. “That is not the man that I ever intend to be any longer.”
Kate was just about to reassure him that she knew as much, and that she would never suspect that of him, but before she could get the words out, her father made the announcement that it was time to sit at the table because dinner was about to be served.
Not quite the dinner that William had provided at his thirtieth birthday ball, but this was not the same sort of event. It did not need to be quite so flashy when only the important people had been invited.
It gave Kate some ideas for her wedding. She would be expected to have a certain number of guests, and her parents would surely wish to include some of the haute ton, but Kate refused to let impressions on other people dictate how she got married. This was her wedding, and she wished to have it her way.
“I think we should have a toast,” the duke declared from the head of the table where he was seated. “To Lord William Moore, Earl of Embleton, and his beautiful bride-to-be, Lady Katherine Langley.” Kate was sure that her father looked a little misty-eyed himself here, which was very unexpected. He was not the sort of man to typically get choked up with emotion. But she supposed this was a huge deal. “We all wish you a very successful wedding and a wonderful marriage afterward. It is clear to all of us that there is a lot of love shared between the both of you, which will assist you in your future.” He reached out and took his own wife’s hand at that moment. “Love can make a huge difference, and we are all so grateful that you have found it. So, we have all gathered here to celebrate you both.”
Everyone raised their glasses and cheered for the couple, making Kate feel so wonderfully special. She called out her thanks to everyone surrounding her, while grinning from ear to ear. This was honestly the best day of her whole entire life. Well, so far, at least. With William by her side, she was bound to have a whole lot more.
As Kate looked around the table at all the people who had recently been brought into her life but already meant so much to her, she was excited for the future and what was to come next. She might have been through a lot, but with the love of her life by her side, it was easy for her to forget about all of that and concentrate on what was to come.
Marriage, a life together, children…all of it. It really was going to be the sort of love found in fairy tales, and she had found it at last. She really was about to live happily ever after.
OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Delightful Dukes and Damsels", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Greetings, my dear readers! I hope you enjoyed this delightful tale and the resolution of our couple’s loving journey! I eagerly anticipate hearing your impressions! ♥️📚 Stay tuned for the next novel in the series if you wish to learn the fateful stories of the rest of the characters!
Tennis as we know it was not created until 50 years after your story. Before that it was not played with a racket and I don’t believe they had tennis courts either.
Thank you for pointing out that historical detail, Betty! You’re absolutely right—tennis as we know it today wasn’t established until much later. It seems I may have made an anachronistic reference in the story. I’ll make sure to correct that in future editions. I appreciate your keen eye and commitment to historical accuracy!
Actually it was lawn tennis that began in the Victorian era! A form of tennis began much earlier. Henry the 8th played it! But it was an indoor game. So William could well have played a game of ‘tennis’! So not historically inaccurate!
I enjoy this novel and how the main characters changed and developed. Also I enjoyed the fact that you skated over just how long the trip to Southend might have taken … neat!
I’m delighted to hear that my book sparked such an interesting discussion! It’s always rewarding when readers engage deeply with the historical details. The truth often lies somewhere in between. While the term “tennis” as we know it today wasn’t used back then, there were earlier forms of the game that evolved over time. Thank you for your thoughtful insights, Maggie, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the character development and the story!
I just read this: Most historians believe the tennis originated in the monastic cloisters in northern France in the 12th century but the ball was then struck with the palm of the hand, hence the name jeu de paume (lit.’game of the palm’). I didn’t recall reading anything in this book about tennis. Loved the clean read book. I was refreshing to find your well written book. I very much enjoyed it. Thank you for all your work!
Great Story! Alice you outdid Yourself writing this story. I really enjoyed it a lot,it had a little bit of everything, from William changing his life from being a rogue, to Kate overcoming a bad engagement and a bad carriage accident, to falling in love with William, after he help saving her from that accident. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you so much, Sonia! Your sweet support and your precious feedback are always truly appreciated! ✨
What a delightful romance, the third of this series. Our main characters are charming and wonderful in their imperfections. So much fun to read!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback dear!
Maybe a follow-up book about Robert and Imogen?
As this is part of a series their characters will appear in the next two books as well! Stay tuned!
Thanks for your great clean books to read!
Thank you for your lovely feedback, Sherri! I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the book and appreciated the clean read. I truly appreciate your support and kind words. Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!
I really enjoyed this book! The story was very interesting but as I read it I couldn’t help noticing all of the mistakes! It seems like no one proof read ! To make my point, the last mistake I noticed was, at the engagement party you referred to William as her husband! There were many other mistakes along the way! This is not what I have come to expect from you!